General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken
General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken is a delightful twist on a takeout classic, bringing together the tangy zest of lemon and the sweetness of honey. It's perfect for when you're craving something comforting yet a touch adventurous.
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Ingredients for General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken
Boneless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for frying. All-purpose flour and cornstarch create a light, crispy coating. Baking powder helps the batter puff up while frying. The water and egg bind the batter together. Lemon adds a fresh, tangy element, with both juice and zest for maximum flavor. Honey brings sweetness that balances the tang. Soy sauce adds depth and umami, with rice vinegar providing a mild acidity. Garlic and ginger are classic aromatics that enhance the sauce. A touch of red pepper flakes gives just enough heat to keep things interesting. Green onions and sesame seeds are for garnish, adding color and a bit of crunch. Vegetable oil is used for frying, and salt and pepper season the batter to taste.
General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken Tips & Tricks
- To test if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small dollop of batter into the pan. If it sizzles and rises to the top, you're good to go.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce further before adding the chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.
Serving Ideas for General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a simple Asian-inspired salad with a sesame dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breast. Just be mindful that it may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results, to maintain crispiness.
General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken Recipe Walkthrough
Start by mixing your batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Slowly add the water and crack in the egg, stirring until smooth. Season with some salt and pepper. Let your chicken pieces take a nice, long bath in this batter for about 10 minutes. This rest allows the batter to adhere well.
While the chicken is resting, heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle a small drop of batter. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Each piece should take about 5 minutes per side to turn golden and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
In a separate pan, make the sauce. Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a gentle simmer for around 3 minutes, letting all those flavors meld beautifully.
Toss your fried chicken into the sauce pan, turning each piece to ensure it's well-coated in that glossy glaze. Finish by garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
Why This General Tso's Lemon-Honey Chicken Works
- A refreshing take on traditional General Tso's with a citrusy kick.
- Quick and easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner.
- Perfectly crispy chicken with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, water, and egg to create a batter. Season with salt and pepper.
- 2. Coat the chicken pieces in the batter and let rest for 10 minutes.
- 3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry battered chicken until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- 4. In a separate pan, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- 5. Add fried chicken to the sauce, toss to coat.
- 6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.